PC prices rise as nylon falls

AKRON, OHIO — North American price changes for polycarbonate and nylon 6 and 6/6 resins are featured in this week's Material Insights video.

Average selling prices for PC resin in the region increased about 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012. Decreased supplies from maintenance shutdowns and higher benzene feedstock prices played a role in the move. Nylon 6 and 6/6 prices each fell about 3 percent as oversupply and decreased exports trumped stronger auto-related demand.

Full-year 2012 financial results from four material firms also are featured in this week's video. Plastic-related sales and pretax profit fell at Dow Chemical Co., while similar sales were down — but operating income was up — at DuPont and Celanese. Omnova Solution Inc.'s results were up in most plastic-related areas, as the firm posted an overall $28 million profit after losing $3 million in 2011.

The video wraps up with news that PMC Group has bought a plastic additives business from Dow for an undisclosed price. The business includes organic polymer stabilizers and polymer lubricants. PMC also had bought a plastic additives business from Arkema Inc. in late 2012.